Debut or Die - Chapter 496

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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A Fatal Illness if I Don’t Debut – Episode 496
Two weeks ago.
Around the time Park Moon-dae had just finished filming Testa’s in-house content.
Chung-ryeo was in the final stages of preparing for his comeback.
“Next is the interview, right?”
“Yes!”
The preparations were proceeding smoothly.
The LeTi staff moved as though ensuring every one of Chung-ryeo’s activities proceeded without a single error was their paramount virtue.
“He’s been waiting since earlier, so if you could hurry things along….”
“Ah! Yes.”
This was because Chung-ryeo was an entertainer with such meticulous self-discipline.
Though he was businesslike in manner, he was mild-tempered and entirely free of capricious irritation, yet it remained true that those around him never found him easy to approach.
‘Hmm.’
Chung-ryeo was aware of this, but he deliberately made no effort to adjust his demeanor to put others at ease.
‘People listen better to those they find difficult than those they find comfortable.’
It was a principle perfected through inductive observation after countless attempts.
Besides, Chung-ryeo was not the type who needed to share daily life to feel at ease and a sense of belonging.
He occasionally felt the urge to mention his pet dog, Kongi, but that hardly mattered since there was someone on the other end.
Chung-ryeo checked the time, then called that ‘someone’.
This time, unlike the occasional messages he sent, he wasn’t intending to share photos of Kongi.
“….”
After a brief dial tone, the other person picked up.
“Did the in-house content filming wrap up well?”
-Yes, senior.
It was Park Moon-dae.
The amusing thing was that this junior consistently used formal speech whenever calls or messages were exchanged.
It wasn’t as though there was no history of casual conversation between them.
It was habitual meticulousness.
‘That aspect isn’t bad either.’
An attitude that never let its guard down would never suffer losses anywhere.
Chung-ryeo found it somewhat pleasant.
Working with such a proven asset was genuinely gratifying.
Soon came Park Moon-dae’s matter-of-fact words of congratulation.
-Congratulations on your solo album comeback, senior.
“Thank you.”
Chung-ryeo responded lightly to words he’d heard from countless people over the past several days, then moved straight to the main point.
“The time is approaching to begin preparing for what we agreed upon last time.”
-….
“As I mentioned before, you won’t be featuring on a track from my album.”
-Yes.
Chung-ryeo recalled Park Moon-dae’s flustered expression at the time and nearly smiled unconsciously, but he maintained his composure and continued speaking.
The featuring method he had chosen.
“There’s a program I’m appearing on this time. Why don’t you join me?”
-…!
“I think you’ll enjoy it too, Junior.”
Chung-ryeo had finished his calculation.
“The program name is….”

* * *
【Nice to Meet You!】
An MBS variety show that airs Saturday at 5:40 PM.
One of the rare long-running audition programs on public broadcast where singers could appear.
Based on the title alone, it seemed like a typical public broadcast-style program introducing skilled unknown singers or masters from genres other than K-pop, right?
‘That’s correct.’
Yes. That’s the style public broadcast loves.
But that’s only half the answer.
‘Because that alone doesn’t bring in ratings.’
What do you need to do to sell it?
The answer is simple.
‘Bundle selling.’
Not only artists from non-mainstream fields appear, but also famous established singers aiming for album or concert promotion effects participate as cast members.
And when you pair two cast members to perform on stage together, you can create diverse content.
This is how the program has survived to season seven.
The guest lineup is still quite impressive, but it has settled into a middle-aged demographic as the main viewership, giving it a somewhat dated flavor….
‘But this guy is appearing on it?’
I glanced sideways at Chung-ryeo.
For VTIC to appear, the program had far too many cast members and was too chaotic.
With a name value like his, they could’ve produced a special episode just for him, yet he’s just appearing normally?
‘Hmm.’
Of course, there had to be some ulterior motive.
I recalled his answer to my blunt question about why he chose this program.
-Because there’s something I want to show.
Well, that’s why I came to this program’s pre-production meeting today.
By the way, the main PD here pushed in from season three, and even though it’s gone past seven seasons, instead of handing the program over to a junior PD, he hasn’t produced any new programs and just keeps doing this one….
After talking with him, I think I understand why.
“Oh, how nice to see you, Moon-dae. My nephew is a fan—could you sign a new album for him? Not a leftover one, but a fresh copy.”
“Of course.”
What an old-timer.
I’d bet he’s not continuing out of any sense of mission, but just because he’s eyeing the cost-effectiveness and dug in his heels.
Still, it was amusing anew that even after rising to the absolute peak of idol fame, the broadcast station PD held all the power.
At the very least, they don’t treat him carelessly—but with VTIC, whose international recognition is absolutely insane, the attitude shifts entirely.
“And our Korean Wave star VTIC! Thank you so much for appearing. We’re truly honored. We look forward to working with you.”
“Haha, the honor is all mine.”
‘So the answer really is national pride.’
For this typical old-fashioned senior, that was everything. I nodded inwardly while watching the PD.
‘Let’s release the next album first.’
After all, I’m aiming for a lethal dose of nationalism to hunt down a Cultural Medal of Honor.
In any case, the fan who asked for an autograph wasn’t at fault—at least they didn’t come to the waiting room through the PD’s family connection.
I carefully signed a spare album I’d brought just in case, and the PD quickly took it before finally moving on to talk about the program.
“So, um, you two will be performing together on stage… but how did you two become so close?”
“Oh, we did a variety show together when Moon-dae debuted. That program was on MBS too.”
“…Ah, ah~ I remember now! That’s right.”
‘He doesn’t remember at all.’
This guy really knows how to work in society.
I guess that’s what you need to do to succeed enough to plant yourself on a major broadcast network program.
“Anyway, we’re really delighted to have both of you on our program. Really delighted.”
And sure enough, the PD muddied the waters instead of mentioning the specific variety show, then smoothly brought up what he really wanted to say.
“But since you two have the same profession and similar images, I was a bit worried—you know, about fitting that climax moment into the episode. Is that okay with you?”
Yeah. It’s fine.
Simply having two top-tier idols from different groups teaming up is already explosive in terms of buzz.
Forget about the climax.
‘He’s being clever.’
Since two famous idols are going to appear anyway, he wants to split the episodes and spread them out separately to extend the ratings boost.
‘Nope, that’s not happening.’
And without me needing to say anything, Chung-ryeo, the person directly involved, answered immediately.
“Yes. You don’t need to worry about that part.”
“…Ah, okay.”
He sounds confident.
The fact that I didn’t need to open my mouth was convenient. Working with someone seasoned like this is manageable.
“And I heard our Manager mentioned this to you in advance…”
“Ah yes, yes.”
After that, there were no more pointless feints.
The meeting flowed smoothly as we talked with the Writer, Sub Producer, and others. I nodded along, pretending to listen intently, and thought.
‘So what exactly does this guy want to do with me on stage?’
And this question was answered soon enough.
Right after the meeting ended.
In the conference room of LeTi Headquarters, twenty minutes away from the Broadcasting Station.
“First, let me show you the music video.”
Chung-ryeo turned on the projector and immediately began discussing the stage composition.
Normally, the program footage should include scenes of planning out this concept, but due to practice time constraints, most of it ends up being recreated anyway.
‘It’s a scripted performance.’
So I understand that much.
“It’s a rough cut, but it’s basically just missing the intro and credits. There shouldn’t be any issue with you understanding the album concept….”
“Hold on.”
Something feels off about this flow.
“Why are you suddenly showing me your music video instead of explaining the stage concept?”
“Huh?”
You just said the song we’re performing isn’t even on the album, so why are you suddenly bragging about your MV that’s coming out soon?
But Chung-ryeo answered calmly, as if it were the most obvious question in the world.
“This is a program stage meant to promote the album, so of course I need to make my new title track come to mind the moment you see it.”
“….”
“This title track itself will be the concept foundation for our stage, so watch carefully and memorize it now. I can’t send you the music video file before it’s released.”
Fair enough.
‘This guy’s got a sharp mind.’
I held back a sigh and nodded.
Wondering if I’d made a mistake agreeing to cooperate without complaints on this stage.
I’d told him I’d follow his stage composition unilaterally, as long as it didn’t damage my image.
But if he has such a clear vision….
‘I wonder if I’m just going to end up being a high note shuttle.’
Actually, that might be better than doing some awkwardly mismatched concept.
I clicked my tongue and stared at the MV playing on the screen.
Marble floors turned to ash.
In the center of that desolate, antiquated Art Museum floor, paint splattered chaotically, mixing together.
Lying alone on top of it was Chung-ryeo.
[….]
That contrasting image slowly panned upward from an aerial perspective.
The sound of wind echoed.
And then.
[The devil is in the details]
A meaningful phrase appeared, and the song began.
[Ash]
Chung-ryeo’s solo album title track.
-Oh maybe we’re just in pain
A melancholic medium tempo.
And jazz-influenced accompaniment.
-Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Within the burnt remains of ash
The same story
And love is dead
From the opening, an incredibly addictive chorus.
And before the verse, a humming that gradually descends. Then the syncopated choreography.
Dancing barefoot in a turtleneck and black slacks on the ashes—the movements themselves seem to possess such power that they pull and push the camera, forcing it to shift angles.
With someone of elite proportions and physique managing their body to the absolute limit, the minimalism is what strikes hardest.
‘Damn it.’
The style doesn’t fade.
I nearly bit my tongue.
The song alone works as easy listening, and he pulled off the difficult task of weaving in impressive choreography flawlessly.
And here’s the thing.
This choreography.
‘The movements themselves are actually easy to copy, but capturing the feeling—that’s what’s hard.’
Plenty of people will attempt the challenge, and it gives viewers plenty of material to rank and compare.
I could already see it coming.
-This guy’s seriously so similar to Chung-ryeo lol
└Stop using your teacher account to shill
└Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk one pointer
This person dances well too, but honestly there are barely any people who really capture the original vibe of the song lol
-Why are there so many malicious comments? I think you worked hard to post them.
These kinds of comments and reactions would flood the challenge videos.
‘It’s the optimal choice for a confident solo dancer.’
If it could be made, it was the most ideal result.
Even if Testa delays military service as long as possible, some members will still have to go within a few years, and Cha Yu-jin and Ryu Chung-woo will absolutely have to do solos or units.
The competitive instinct kicks in wondering if we could even plan something this refined.
“….”
I kept my mouth shut and watched the music video to the end.
The background and costumes gradually became more elaborate, then at the end it returned to ashes and ended minimally—the tempo control was truly masterful.
-And love is the end.
The screen cut abruptly to a dark space, to Chung-ryeo standing on black water.
And the man himself, Chung-ryeo, opened his mouth only after the rough cut of the music video ended, still smiling.
“Do you like it?”
He skipped asking for objective feedback entirely and jumped straight to a subjective question.
‘He’s confident about this.’
Is that so?
I nodded readily.
“Yeah.”
“….”
“You made it well.”
Why the surprise?
‘I should acknowledge what deserves acknowledgment.’
We’re working together now anyway, so there’s no point in ego battles.
‘Our comebacks aren’t even overlapping.’
But here’s the thing.
“I’m going to struggle to capture the essence of this choreography.”
“Hmm?”
“Just so you know, don’t even think about asking me to pull off something with a similar choreographic feel in just two weeks.”
It was advice for the sake of stage quality.
‘This is the kind of polish only an A-grade dancer or higher could barely match.’
Besides, this was a program featuring established artists.
Unlike a debut survival show where people would forgive you just for showing growth through effort, that kind of narrative would be laughable here.
If I attempted choreography similar to this, I’d absolutely have to execute it flawlessly to avoid breaking his concept.
But realistically, the cost-benefit wasn’t worth it.
‘Just use me as a high-note shuttle, you bastard.’
Yet Chung-ryeo burst out laughing.
“Ha, it seems like I’ve decided to do this stage however I want, haven’t I?”
“….”
Was he serious?
“I’m joking.”
He grinned widely, tapping the table with his fingers as if counting.
“If we each do what we’re good at… then the agreement with the Junior Member will actually have value.”
Right.
“But we still need to cover the basics.”
“…?”
Chung-ryeo asked lightly.
“How many hours of practice per day have you tried so far?”
And then the practice volume of an Ajusa-level group came crashing down on my head.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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